Advanced Manufacturing
CAREER TYPE
Refinery or Plant Operator
For workers who know that quality control is vital in production. Training as a refinery or plant operator will empower you to work in complex manufacturing facilities or for energy and chemical producers.
Career Type Key Facts
Salary Range Potential:
$45,000 - $100,000+/YEAR
Education Required:
COMMUNITY COLLEGE OR TECHNICAL DEGREE
Skills Needed:
PROBLEM-SOLVING + COMPUTER SKILLS
Types of Employers:
OIL REFINERIES, PETROCHEMICAL MANUFACTURING, ADVANCED MANUFACTURING
Refinery and Plant Operators are in high demand.
Manufacturing facilities are vast, complex operations, so operators work to ensure that high quality and safety standards are consistently met.
The best operators show an acute attention to detail and observation skills. They are able to monitor multiple processes at once so that preventative measures can be taken before problems arise, and they work well as part of a shift team.
With the surge in manufacturing in the United States, the Southeast is experiencing an expansion of manufacturing facilities. Earning potential is high for skilled operators, with pay for trained professionals starting around $40,000 and the potential to grow to $100,000 or more with experience.